The minions film will be directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, based on a screenplay by Brian Lynch. Illumination Entertainment is developing the project, with Chris Renaud executive producing.

Despicable Me 2 will see the minions return to cinemas before then, slated for release on July 3 next year. Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand and Al Pacino will feature among the sequel's voice cast.

A ride based on Despicable Me opened in Universal Studios, Orlando earlier this year.

The original Despicable Me was released in 2010, earning $543.1 million (Â£343.8m) worldwide on a budget of $69m.